Hot Topics:

Research group FairTest urges less reliance on MCAS exams

Posted:
02/20/2013 09:37:57 AM EST

Updated:
02/21/2013 10:19:57 AM EST

BOSTON (AP) -- A group of more than 130 Massachusetts professors and researchers has sent a letter to state education officials urging them to stop relying on standardized test scores in judging school quality, teacher effectiveness and student achievement.

The letter Tuesday said standardized tests, including the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, have fostered an "environment of intimidation, fear, anxiety, and stress" for teachers and students.

The letter includes recommendations, including ensuring that any new assessment system goes beyond paper-and-pencil tests in judging student performance.

State Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester tells The Boston Globe (http://b.globe.com/ZgqWdc ) he has not seen the letter but defended the MCAS, saying it is "important to measure performance and achievement."

Welcome to your discussion forum: Click the login link below to sign in with or to set up a Disqus account or to access your social networking account. When you do, your comment should be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (What are the guidelines?.) Report abuse by flagging a comment (mouse over the comment). Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Berkshire Eagle. So keep it civil.